SRC-JBJ H.B. 3790 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3790 76R0758 EBy: McClendon (Madla) Intergovernmental Relations 4/26/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, public housing authorities recruit public housing tenants for entry-level jobs with the authority to conduct lease-purchases. The jobs follow the policy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that requires housing authorities to make an effort to provide job opportunities to tenants. However, the attorney general recently released an opinion (JC-0018 (1999)) that rendered this practice unlawful. Accordingly, the opinion states that Chapter 392, Local Government Code (Housing Authorities Law), "prohibits an employee of the housing authority from leasing or purchasing a home included in a housing project administered by a related housing corporation." H.B. 3790 would permit a housing authority employee to be eligible for housing programs, on the same basis as other qualified members of the general public. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3790 permits an employee of a public housing authority to participate in certain contracts or agreements for housing assistance. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 392.043, Local Government Code, by adding Subsections (f) and (g), to authorize an employee of a housing authority to be a party to certain housing contracts to the same extent as a member of the public if the employee qualifies for assistance under the program. Defines "Section 8 housing assistance." SECTION 2.Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.